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I am in the process of making a small (2x4) layout. It's tiny, but likely the largest layout I will have at for a while. It's only single track, but it does have a yard and a small spur for some switching fun as well.
I'm not sure if I should consider DCC or stick with analog. But because I'm a complete newcomer to this sort of thing, I could be completely wrong. Please help me figure out my best course of action. Here's how I see things:
Analog
Advantages
- Will require a number of blocks to run multiple consists. I've already got my blocks planned out.
- I already have 2 kato Power pack/controllers and a bunch of switches
Disadvantages
- Maximum of 2 consists, unless you drastically want to increase wiring complexity
- Separate controls needed for each consist
- Switching blocks will require a block control panel, which will no doubt have much retro charm.
- Loco lights, sound, etc are not particularly configurable
- Building lights, turnouts, etc will be controlled from a separate panel
DCC
Advantages
- More consists than can conceivably fit on the track
- Simplified wiring (sort of). I'm drastically overfeeding my track because it will be moved and hung vertically.
- Multiple consists, turnouts, lights and sounds can be controlled from one handy place
- DCC concepts make more sense to me, as I work with computer networks all the time
Disadvantages
- Increased cost
- Each loco will require a decoder which will potentially see me destroying it as I solder connections into the wrong place or rip off parts which shouldn't be ripped off
- Each turnout will also require a DCC decoder, as will banks of building lights, as will sound.
The increased cost doesn't worry me particularly -- this is supposed to be a lasting project and I would like to squeeze the most out of it. What I'm mostly worried about is how difficult it is to connect decoders and will I destroy all I have created by accident? Will wiring lights and sound be so complicated I wish I had remained analog? If I can solder feeders to a unijoiner and not destroy it, can I solder a DCC decoder into a locomotive and not damage it?
I've also looked into two DCC systems, one of which is less readily available (NCE).
1. Digitrax Zephyr. It gets consistently good reviews. Advantage -- it's one easy to handle unit, much like a Kato power pack. Disadvantage -- I think it's aesthetically displeasing, and apparently the LCD display leaves something to be desired.
2. NCE Power Cab. Also consistently well reviewed. Advantages -- it's all controlled from one handy pad on the end of springy cord. It looks much nicer than the Digitrax throttle, and the LCD display is more useful. Disadvantages -- not as versatile and backwards compatible as Digitrax, and does not offer a DC mode for one loco. Requires that parts be mounted into the layout, which means that particular part will need to be purchased again or mounted in a box to be used on another layout.
Perhaps another manufacturer would be more suitable?
That about encapsulates my knowledge. At this point, I'm leaning to DCC even though I have shelled out the bucks for analog cab control, because it seems it may be more useful in the future. I would very much like to hear opinions on the matter, so thanks in advance for your help.
Joined: 2008-01-04